School of Rock Rockland

We signed up our eleven-year-old son because we not only desired piano training, but also to make playing music fun. Without a doubt, Rockland's School of Rock achieved that goal and more.

Our son's experience there has been celebratory and indelibly positive. Nervousness in front of a crowd? Dealt with - he confidently plays in front of others when he initially doubted himself. Familiarity with music theory? Yep - he now knows chords, scales, notes, clefs, measures, etc. etc., and (let me say) *I* am the one who took music appreciation/theory in college. Friendship? Unequivocally - at 11, he is very much on the younger side compared to others in his band, yet they all accept him wholeheartedly as the pianist who plays the famous riff from "Jump" or does supportive harmony for "Peace of Mind". The entire crew proudly respects his effort and desire to rock. That respect has in turn manifested in my son proper: he beams with accomplishment and camaraderie, qualities that as parents we love to see.

Beyond what I witness in my son, I also notice the many other kids who play at School of Rock. I remember the challenging days when I was these kids' age trying to determine my own individuality, and, to this end, School of Rock's methodology is a godsend. It breeds a verve for life and cultivates self-respect within kids vis-a-vis music that every human being wants to karaoke. What a simple recipe for individual and group success/determination.

They have an adult band, too, FYI. When the day comes for a grunge night, I will dust off any self-doubt and show my son what Temple of the Dog and Soundgarden meant to me in my time.

My kids are thriving at the school of rock in Blauvelt! Scott and the entire staff are awesome and my boys are learning so much and truly enjoy every rehearsal! They make it fun for the kids. I would recommend this place to anyone!

I’ve been a student at School of Rock Rockland for about 4–5 years, and there’s never been a time where I didn’t feel motivated to keep learning, push myself with harder songs and meet new people. I still remember my very first lesson with Scott Foster, the owner, who is also my piano teacher who I praise very much and I would never have been this good without him. He has taught me the hardest songs I know and I’m sure there is many more to come. The lesson was online because I had just broken my leg playing soccer and was in a wheelchair. Even then, School of Rock team found a way to still do the lesson and made me feel motivated even when I had a cast from my foot to hip.

I also want to give a huge shoutout to Juan, my guitar teacher, and Achille, my bass teacher, as well as all the other amazing instructors who have helped me through my School of Rock journey. (Yes, I play multiple instruments, and I don’t think I’d be where I am today without them!) They’ve helped me grow as a songwriter, improve my playing, come up with new ideas, and most importantly, have fun while enjoying the process.

Thank you, School of Rock, for these wonderful experiences and for many more memories to come!

I grew up, like a lot of people, loving and listening to Rock ‘N Roll during the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. I still listen to and love that genre, as well as a lot of other types of music. But my true love lies with Rock ‘n Roll.

The last time that I played a musical instrument was when I was about 12 years old. Just a few years ago, I picked up an acoustic guitar and started to learn how to play on my own. After a couple of years of playing, alone, at home, I felt the desire to take one-on-one in-person guitar lessons. I signed up for guitar lessons at the School of Rock, Blauvelt, NY. At 71 years old I think that I’m the oldest student at the school learning and playing along with other students who are Gen Z’s and every other Gen in between. Taking one-on-one in-person guitar lessons at the School is, IMHO, one of the finest decisions I have made in my entire life.

School of Rock, Rockland, is one of my very favorite happy places to be, especially Thursday nights. Thursday night is the night of each week when the students that have chosen to participate in the “Adult Rock Band” gather all together in the school studio to run through all the songs we have been learning to play for the current performance season. It’s so much fun and so cool to be able to do that with my awesome new group of friends, many of whom also never played an instrument before (we were all in that position at some point in time). In just a little over one year of taking lessons at the school I have progressed in my playing capability to being cast as the lead Electric Guitar player on some songs. I have also played Rhythm guitar as well as Bass guitar (it just happened) and I have sung lead and backup vocals (it also just happened) on a few songs. Together, as a Rock ‘n Roll Band, we have already proudly and successfully performed on stage on numerous occasions in front of live audiences in places like Defiant Brewery and Gentle Giant Brewery in Pearl River, NY. The rush that comes along with that experience is totally indescribable. My friends and family love coming to enjoy the music and to have a great time at our live performances. They ask me all the time, “when’s your next show?”

Scott Foster, who is the owner of School of Rock, Rockland, and is also a very cool person, participates in our band rehearsals every week as well as the numerous other band rehearsals that are born out of the school. He’s a seasoned musician and performer with many years of experience and works with us tirelessly to get all our songs together and sounding great in the every possible way. He can also be found working daily to improve all aspects of the school to make it an even better place than it already has become. Every time I walk into the building, Scott is busy there, doing something to make the smallest improvements that make all the difference. He pays attention to the needs of every student and does what he can to make every student’s experience special.

My current guitar teacher, Juan, is awesome! We immediately got along well. He’s just a natural at teaching guitar and a great individual, so pleasant and easy to have a conversation with. Just about every week when I let him know about my having difficulty playing a certain part of a song, Juan teaches me a tip or trick that just makes it so much easier to play. I attribute so much of my forward progress to Juan’s method of teaching. You have no idea. Thank you, Juan.

Besides Juan, I hear from my bandmates that there are many other great teachers at the school that do awesome work. If you have the slightest desire to learn how to play and perform, make new friends and have a lot of fun, this is the place to be.

I’m not yet a pro, and I truly have no desire to be one, but I am having the time of my life learning and playing music at the School of Rock. It’s so much fun and so cool.

Thank you, School of Rock!

Joel Rosenberg

My son came to School of Rock two years ago after trying a few different music schools and we have not once regretted signing on for more than just lessons. He has made tremendous progress in both his playing and his overall performance and confidence level since starting at School of Rock. Scott is a hands on owner and is involved in everything that goes on there. He has a genuine relationship with every student and makes each performance a fun experience. SOR creates opportunities for students to get "real life" on stage experience in front of enthusiastic audiences. They feel like rock stars! We are so grateful that we found you!